Hi, I’m Katie and I am currently studying MSc Foundations in Clinical Psychology.
In the summer of 2024, I went to Bali and did a Mental Health placement for a month with ThinkPacific! I was working with various vulnerable groups of individuals who struggled with mental and physical issues. I got the chance to travel all over Bali experiencing their culture and meeting locals who had the best way of life.
I travelled for about 20 hours to get to Bali (first to Dubai then on a connecting flight) so when I arrived I was exhausted. I can honestly say within the first 24 hours of arriving I knew that it was going to be the best month of my life.
My placement took place in Mas and surrounding areas. I was in a homestay with a Balinese family along with 9 other participants (split up into 3 different rooms). The village was exactly what I expected it to be. Everyone knew each other and so pleased to stop and talk about Bali. We had access to everything we needed including loads of little shops and cafes, laundrettes and local temples and historical sites.
The best bit about the placement was getting to meet people. I know that it’s a cliche that everyone says or is usually told to write about but I honestly mean it. I have future trips planned with my peers on the placement and I have also been invited back to Bali to stay with my homestay family. I never really expected to meet as many people as I did including the service-users on the placement.
The best bit about my free time was I got to explore. I travelled out to Bali before my placement began to adjust to the culture and the time zone. I also got to travel around Bali on the weekends giving me the freedom to see Bali the way I wanted to. I was able to explore the North and the South of Bali, hike Mount Batur, swim with dolphins and do so many more activities.
If you decide to embark on this amazing opportunity, don’t forget to remember to prepare accordingly.
- Keep on top of the pre-departure paperwork before you leave for your placement. This is something I wish that I did.
- Make sure you have the appropriate clothing for your placement and have plenty of suncream! Although you may be inside for the hottest part of the day on placement, I was surprised how strong the sun was.
- This may seem obvious but look up the basics of travelling to the country you’re heading to. In this case, watching TikTok or Instagram reels on tips and tricks or find the best places to eat and spend your weekends.
- Get stuck in with learning the ways of the culture! Try the food, speak to locals and visit the heritage sites. This will be the best way to start feeling at home within Bali and it will also help you during your time on placement.
Thanks for reading and good luck for anyone who may be thinking or applying to studying abroad. Feel free to email me with any questions! Kg1e23@soton.ac.uk